TURNOVER: The Poly girls’ volleyball team looks to continue their tradition of succcess with a new head coach and new contributing players.
By Chandler Drachslin, Staff Writer
It’s here. The anticipated 2012-2013 season of the girls’ volleyball team has arrived. After two seasons of league dominance, the Poly volleyball program is going through a stage of transition, as the team is welcoming new head coach, Christina Gordon.
After losing Coach Ho Hyunh after only one year, the team looked to the assistant coach of the 2011-2012 season to fill his shoes. Gordon was a prominent volleyball standout who played in high school as well as at Cal Poly Pomona University. With coaching experience at the high school, club and collegiate levels, Gordon looks to be the right choice for the job. “ She’s tough, but in the right way,” Skylar Allen (12) said.
While the coaching staff has changed, the goals of the Bear’s program have remained the same. When asked about her approach to the coming season, Gordon stressed the continued emphasis on improving ball control and defense. She also hopes to “develop an overall aggressive attack on the game with a quick offense.”
Leading the Poly offense and helping to push the team to success is transfer setter, Justus Tuiolosega (11). In addition, the team will rely on the leadership and experience of key returners and upperclassmen, such as outside hitter Soeli Smith (11), right side Allen and outside hitter Kami Troesh (12) to run a fast-paced offense.
Although Poly lost prominent seniors in the 2012 graduating class, Gordon is confident in the upperclassmen she has in the program.
Allen explains her plan of action. “I am going to continue to try to be a strong team leader, by encouraging everyone and keeping the spirit up!”
The rookie coach at Poly feels prepared and confident in her girls and has her mind set on a productive season. “I’m looking forward to a successful season. We have a strong chance of winning league, but of course nothing will be easy,” she said.
As for the switch from the Big VIII League to the new and unfamiliar Inland Valley League, it looks as if this does not faze Gordon. “I’m not concerned with the change; the biggest focus is playing the best volleyball we can, regardless of who we are playing,” she said.
With Gordon’s experience and the influential leadership of the upperclassmen combined, Poly volleyball will be a competitive force on the court.
The outlook on this volleyball season looks quite promising in the eyes of Poly High School. Gordon summed it up: “We have a strong chance of winning league this year; the girls are up to the challenge.”
photo by Chase Ballard/The Poly Spotlight